The More You Know: Easing Home Study Anxiety

Home Study anxiety is a known thing among prospective adoptive parents. The words all too often provoke sensations of dread and fear. However, the home study process itself is very beneficial. It is conducted by an adoption professional who will determine the best outcome for the family. They act as a guiding resource who also offers support through the journey.

What is a Home Study?

In short, a Home Study is a process that determines whether or not an adoptive parent has the ability to sufficiently raise a child. An adoption professional typically visits the prospective candidate’s house to get to know them better, and to teach them more details about the adoption process itself. There’s also paperwork involved, of course. Once completed, it’ll amount to a 6 to 15 page report that gives the actual approval to adopt.

Often, the Home Study causes a lot of anxiety. The most common fear is that the social worker and adoption professionals will find something wrong when probing into the inner workings of the family. That they will find some error with the house during their visit. Know that while this anxiety is common, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Adoption professionals are not there to purposely find things to disqualify you. On the contrary. They want to learn four essential things: who you are, why you want to adopt, how you’ve prepared for adoption, and if you meet the emotional, physical and financial requirements to adopt. In other words, a Home Study’s goal is, not to find the “perfect parent,” but rather to match the right parents with the right child and ensure that you are the safest and healthiest home for them.

The more you know…the greater your level of confidence.

What a Home Study Entails

Depending on specific state requirements, at least one home visit is mandatory. Beyond that, be sure to double check with your adoption agency or lawyer. Also per state law, and as aforementioned, the home visit will be conducted by a licensed social worker or adoption professional. The whole Home Study process can take up to 90 days to complete.

During their visit, they will require a criminal background check of each adoptive parent and cover a wealth of information. Topics may include, but are not limited to: religious preference, views on discipline and opinions regarding ethics and morals. They will also collect social and medical information, as well as financial and the current health of the prospective adoptive parents. Following that, an assessment regarding the adoptive parents’ skills and their knowledge of adoption issues will be conducted. In specific cases, adoptive parents may be required to attend classes to further prepare them for any impending situations they may face post adoption.

Additionally, the social worker or adoption professional will provide a packet of forms that need to be filled out during the home visit. Among this, adoptive parents can expect to find personal and financial disclosures and fingerprint cards. For those who plan to adopt internationally, the paperwork will include I-600A and I-600 forms.

While this may seem overwhelming, just know that the Home Study brings you one step closer to being an adoptive parent. It’s a lot to go through, yes; but, again — the more you know, the less anxious and more confident you’ll be.

Home Study Anxiety Triggers

The biggest anxiety trigger that adoptive parents have regarding the Home Study process is failing. That something about their past or perhaps medical history will unravel their hopes and dreams of adopting. This fear largely surrounds prospective parents with mental health concerns.

First off, we are all human. We all have pasts. Some more challenging than others. We’ve all made tough calls and have gone through things that we are not proud of. So, that alone is not enough to color the social worker or adoption professional’s view of you. Neither does simply having history seeing a counselor or being on medication to assist with mental health imbalances.

During the Home Study visit, adoptive parents will be asked about their mental health history. Social workers and adoption professionals will assess the existing history, and then reach out to doctors and health officials to verify. Counseling and taking medication illustrates that an adoptive parent cares about their health and that they will extend this to their child.

So, there’s no need to be anxious on this account. The important thing is to be honest about everything during the Home Study visit. Don’t be afraid or ashamed. Let them know how nervous you are. Home Study officials will not actively try to fail anyone. They are held to state standards, and truly want to find the best child to fit your family.

The more you know, the less anxiety you’ll experience.

How to Best Prepare for a Home Study

Being prepared ahead of time is an important component of the process, and will help ease the Home Study anxiety. In the days preceding the home visit, there are several items prospective parents can cross off the list. This includes, compiling the necessary documents and orchestrating the appropriate references.

Regarding the documents, be sure to have enough time to get all of them squared away. Especially because you will need certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Other required information: finances, employment and medical history. For a more detailed and extensive list, visit this resource.

When thinking about references, be sure to select people who have known you for a while. People who know and understand your parenting style and personality. Ask those who are trustworthy, and who will not make inappropriate jokes when contacted. Family references are not accepted, so be sure to carefully glean through your friends and professional network and choose the ones who fully support your decision. For instance, picking someone who doesn’t agree with adoption would be counterintuitive.

Closer to the scheduled home visit, ensure that your house is clean and tidy. Don’t worry about making it look like a model home, but don’t have it messy either. Adoption professionals want a good sense of what kind of living condition the child will be growing up in. A home says a lot about someone, and they want to learn that, too.

Providing drinks and food during the actual home visit is an excellent gesture, and creates a more welcoming atmosphere. Keep the time of year in mind when thinking about what to select. Coffee and tea with a plate of cookies is a popular thought. Or, for more summery months, perhaps iced tea or lemonade with a plate of veggies or fruit. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but whatever you choose — have it display who you are.

Conclusion

The Home Study is a necessary step to helping prepare adoptive parents to welcome their child into their lives. It’s a state requirement that ensures everyone’s safety and well-being. There is a lot involved and may feel overwhelming, but the end result will be worth it.

Remember — breathe. Feeling anxious is natural, but the more you know…the more the dreaded home study anxiety should ebb away.

About the Author

Rachel Robertson is a published journalist, book editor, certified Publishing Specialist, and aspiring novelist. She graduated from Central Washington University (CWU) in March 2011, having found her writing voice within the Creative Nonfiction genre and grew to work as a freelance book editor for small presses all across the United States.

In June 2018, she embarked on an internship with Virginia Frank and came on board with Adoption Choices Inc. in December 2018. Between her mutual passion with adoption and surrogacy, and her own personal history with adoption, Rachel is excited to research and share topics each week that will spread awareness and better serve the faithful patrons of Adoption Choices Inc.

When Rachel isn’t haunting her local Starbucks or Barnes and Noble, she’s avidly pouring over her Writer’s Digest subscription or cozying up with a cup of tea and book. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her beloved wife and Border Collie.

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Resources:

“10 Things To Help You Prepare For The Home Study.” Adoption.org, adoption.org/10-things-need-know-youre-preparing-home-study.

Social Media

Stephanie joined the staff of Adoption Choices of NV as a Birth Parent Counselor in July 2015. With over ten years of experience working in the area of Child Welfare, both with governmental and private agencies, she was a welcomed addition. Stephanie has a Bachelor’s in Social Work from UNLV. When not working she enjoys spending time with friends and family. Stephanie is a huge animal lover and keeps busy with her own three furbabies at home.

Jackie Gay, LCSW

Adoption Social Worker

I have been with Adoption Choices of Nevada for the past seven years as a Home Study Specialist. I have been a social worker for 27 years and a clinical social worker for 20 years. My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the California State University, Sacramento with an emphasis on children and families. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, skiing and reading biographies.

Meg Steinitz, LSW, MSW

Adoption Social Worker

I have worked in adoption and child welfare since 2001 and have been with Adoption Choices since 2013. I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from USC and am a Licensed Social Worker in Nevada. I work with Birth Parents and Adoptive Parents throughout Northern Nevada and seek to empower clients to make the best possible decisions for themselves, their family and their child. My experience working in the foster care system gave me an appreciation of the importance of permanency for children, and I love being a part of the creation of forever families.

Cindy Johnson, LSW

Adoption Counselor

I have over twenty-years experience working with birth families and their children. I have been employed with Adoption Choices of Nevada for almost four years as a Birth Parent Counselor. I have been involved in forming and leading the Birth Parent Support Group in the Reno office. Married with five children, three of which are adopted. Professional Trainer and Child Advocate.

Lainie Burak, LSW, MSW

Child Placement Director

My name is Lainie Burak, and I am the Child Placement Director for Adoption Choices of Nevada. I have a Master’s in Social Work and have been working in the adoption field since 1999 and for Adoption Choices since 2008. As Child Placement Director, I spend time supporting both adoptive and birth parents on their journey to adoption. I know that adoption can be somewhat confusing and difficult, and my goal is to help provide support and information along the journey. Being adopted myself, I am passionate about honesty and integrity in adoption, and I hope to help others by sharing my personal and professional experience.

Maire Burgess, LASW

Executive Director

I have been a social worker since 1972 and have practiced primarily in the area of children and families. I retired from the State of Nevada and Washoe County Social services ten years ago. I supervised the Adoption Unit in both agencies for more than 13 years. I have been the Executive Director of Adoption Choices of Nevada since its inception in 2008. I have an amazing staff in both the Reno and Las Vegas offices; they make me and the agency look great. I have an enormous passion for adoption and take great pride in the client centered services my staff brings to both the Birth and Adoptive Parents during their journey to a successful adoption.

Erica Palmer

Office Assistant

I started at adoption Choices of Nevada in August 2016. I’m the newest member of the team as an Office Assistant. I love working with these girls. We truly feel like a family.

Jo McLaughlin, MA, LASW

Director of Social Services

Jo McLaughlin, MA, LASW, has been the social service director for the last 7 years. As a 41 year resident of Las Vegas, over half of those years have been working in the adoption field. Jo has a Master’s in Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Jo: “I believe that working with pregnant women has always been my calling, this is a ministry more than a job.” Jo believes strongly in adoption and walking the journey with all parties of the triad is a blessing. Jo has been married for 38 years and they have grown daughters.

Faith Smith

Office Manager/Paralegal

I have been the Office Manager/Paralegal for the Reno Office since 2010 I just completed courses for my Associate Paralegal Degree. I feel very blessed to share in a moment the adoptive family bonds with their baby and the birthmother. There is no greater love or sacrifice than the love for a child.

Required Documents

Birth Certificates

Financial Statement

Divorce Decree from previous marriages (if applicable)

Home Study (and update if applicable) (two copies with original signatures from your home study professional)

HIV, Hep B and Hep C test results

Income tax returns for the last three years (first page only)

Verification of Employment (letter from employer) and current employment history (where and for how long)

Copy of Native American Heritage enrollment (if applicable)

Marriage license or domestic partnership

Verification of medical insurance under which the child will be covered

Military Discharge (if applicable)

Updated physician reports

Five reference letters, with phone numbers for purposes of verifying. Nevada Applicants: We will send the reference forms to the references you provide on your application.

Copy of Social Security Cards, Driver’s Licenses, or Passports

State Bureau of Investigation report, fingerprint check, Sex Offender and Child Abuse Registry, where available

Profile Book and “Dear Birthparent Letter” (5 copies)

Ebony Clayton, LCSW

Home Study

Ebony Clayton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Las Vegas Nevada. Ebony also has a minor in Sociology.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Ebony provides individual, family, and couples psychotherapy as well as group treatment. She believes in treating the whole person and tailors treatment to meet each individual’s needs and treatment goals.

Ebony joined Adoption Choices in 2016 to provide Home Studies for Adoptive Families. Ebony has worked with foster and adoptive families for more than 12yrs and enjoys providing them with support and guidance.

Amanda Travers, LSW

Adoption Social Worker

Amanda Travers, LSW, received her Bachelor’s Degree from UNLV School of Social Work in 2008 and is licensed as a LSW by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers. She has been in practice for a little over 8 years both as a Social Work Case Manager for the state of Nevada as well as Adoption Social Worker for Adoption Choices of Nevada. Amanda is a 20+ year resident of Las Vegas, moving here from southern California in 1991. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 9 years and is a mother of two beautiful children. She is passionate about her work and has made it her life’s mission to help insure a better quality of life for all who are in need. The three most important things to Amanda are her family, friends, and faith.

Caitlin Cafero

Office Assistant

Caitlin Cafero is the Administrative Assistant. She has been employed with Adoption Choices of Nevada since March 2013. She is responsible for the daily office tasks. She assists the Office Mgr. and Director to help their jobs be a little easier. Her favorite part about her job is seeing families being created. Caitlin was born and raised in Las Vegas. She is married and they have two very energetic little boys. In her free time she enjoys spending time out doors with her family.

Kristin Cirimele

Office Manager

Kristin Cirimele has been employed by Adoption Choices of Nevada since February of 2011. She started out as the Office Admin and is now the Office Manager. She is responsible for overseeing our office and making sure everything is running smoothly. Kristin is also responsible for assisting Adoptive parents who want to get started with our agency.

Her background is a BA in Psychology and almost 15 years of detail oriented office management and customer service. She loves working with our clients every day and seeing their journey through adoption. She has four children of her own and spending time with her family is what she enjoys most when she isn’t working.

Barbara Draper, MSW, LSW

Adoption Social Worker

Barbara has a master’s degree in social work and 34 years of social work experience. She started her career with the Nevada State Division of Child & Family Services, first in child protective services, then foster care, and finally adoptions. Barbara has been an adoption social worker for over 26 years, six of those years with Adoption Choices of Nevada completing adoption home studies, supervising placements, and finalizing adoptions in court. She also was employed for six years as a trainer for the Understanding Infant Adoption Program, which offered training sessions throughout Nevada.

Mary Laman

Adoption Social Worker

My name is Mary Laman and I recently joined the staff at Adoption Choices of Nevada in July 2014. I will be working with adoptive parents, completing their home studies and post placement visits. I graduated from UNLV in December 2001 with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. My first social work position was with the State of Nevada working in the MOMS Program. This program served pregnant women on Medicaid ensuring that they were receiving appropriate medical care and given needed services to assist in a healthy pregnancy and baby. On November 1, 2003 I accepted a position with the State of Nevada as a social worker in foster care. I worked with parents, children and foster parents until my retirement in October 2013. I have resided in Nevada since 1979. I have been married for 39 years and have two children and five grandchildren who are the joy of my life. I am happy to join the staff at Adoption Choices of Nevada to assist and support adoptive parents in their adoption journey.

Brittney Gamble, MSW, LSW

Licensed Social Worker and Birth Parent Counselor

Brittney Gamble is a licensed social worker and Birth Parent Counselor with Adoption Choices. She earned her Bachelors degree of Social Work from Brigham Young University in 2008 and went on to complete the Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program at Salem State University in 2012. She is passionate about working with families and has practiced social work in a variety of settings including in an elementary school, a family court, and two hospitals. Brittney’s adoption experience includes supporting families as post-adoption social worker and employment as a family case manager for the state of Massachusetts. Additionally, Brittney has three adopted siblings. Brittney’s hobbies include reading, traveling, and baking sweet treats. However, what Brittney loves most in life is to spend time with her family and her dog, Schnitzel.

Christina Smith

Birth Parent Case Manager

Christina has been a social worker for ten years. She attained her Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 2002 and then completed her Master Degree in Social Work in 2004. Christina started her social work career working for Child Protective Services ensuring the well being of abused and neglected children. She then worked as an adoptions social worker in the public sector assisting in finding forever families for foster children. After the public sector, Christina started working in domestic and international adoptions writing homestudies for adoptive families. Christina moved to Las Vegas in 2009 from Southern California. Christina has worked for Adoption Choices for about two years as a birth parent case manager as well as works with adoptive families in the homestudy process. Christina has a bright and outgoing son that is in the first grade. During her free time she enjoys traveling. She has traveled to over 50 countries worldwide.